Men’s Tennis | 4/27/2024 8:03:00 PM
SALINA, Kan. — For the ninth KCAC Tournament in a row, the McPherson College Bulldogs have emerged victorious, sweeping the Ottawa University Braves 4-0 Saturday (Apr. 27) at Genesis Health Club in Salina, Kan.
With the win, the Bulldogs have now won 57 consecutive regular season and postseason matches against KCAC opponents dating back to 2019.
“I can’t express how much more pressure there is for not only a coach but for these players to try to maintain this kind of winning streak,” head coach Keiran President said. “But these guys were able to play with that pressure, targets on their backs and take care of business. I can’t be prouder of them and can’t wait to see what more we all can accomplish at the National Tournament.”
The Braves took an early lead for the doubles point, winning 7-5 on court one over Michael Beltran and Martin Millos, but Oscar Brouwer and Daniel Marcano answered with a 6-3 win over Oscar Giorgio and Ben Russell. On court three, Arthur Nardy and Celien Botlan won in a tiebreaker 7-6 (4) to give the Bulldogs a 1-0 lead heading into the singles competition.
Beltran pushed the lead to 2-0 with a quick 6-3, 6-2 win over Jarmo Wienese, then Millos followed suit with a 6-2, 6-2 win over Giorgio. Marcus Nardy wrapped up the conference title, winning a three-set thriller 3-6, 7-5, 6-4.
Arthur Nardy trailed 4-3 in the third set when the Bulldogs clinched, winning set one 6-2 but falling in the second set 6-3. Botlan won the first set over Russell 7-5, while Daniel Marcano dominated the first set over Almog Cohen 6-1 when the match was called.
The Bulldogs advance to the NAIA National Tournament once again, starting May 14 in Mobile, Ala. Seeding will be decided in the coming weeks.
MC returns to Mobile after knocking off the No. 13-seed Ave Maria 4-1 last season before falling to fourth-seeded Tennessee Wesleyan. The Bulldogs have four wins all-time in the NAIA Tournament.
“We would also like to that our President Michael Schneider, athletic director Josh Daume, and everyone else who came out to support us today and throughout our season. We couldn’t have done it without you all!”